NETGEAR WNAP210-100NAS Prosafe Wireless Access Point

Pros: Reliable, multiple SSID, Rogue AP detection, good session capacity and data rate, can run off PoE.

Cons: Plastic case, occasional interference issues, average coverage

Overall Review: I have installed many of these in value-conscious business networks. One has failed but it was in a humid location (commercial kitchen). I really like the multi-SSID capabilities which allow me to setup a 'guest' network and a secure network on the save device. Note this is not the same as a true 'guest' network running on a different IP segment, so I do not recommend this configuration unless you can secure the network by other means (i.e., you have to know what you are doing). And PoE is great - allows me to place the WAP where the coverage is best, not where power is available.

Pros: Solid AP with multiple SSID's, VLAN support and POE. I have 4 of these running our business and guest networks and Wireless VOIP phones. Have been using them for a year and a half without issue.

Cons: I think this only supports 8 VLAN's. Not an issue for us but maybe a concern on large networks. Don't enable wireless client separation if you want to connect your laptop to a wireless printer.

Overall Review: More than enough features for everything we need. Setup is easy and everything makes sense. I always plug network devices straight into a PC and configure a static IP before I attach to the network. You don't have to do this but if you aren't sure how to find devices on your network this will save you some time.

Pros: POE Multiple profiles Brackets are easier to mount than hidden slots Range as expected Stable signal

Cons: Plastic case No external antenna connection

Overall Review: When I see a unit with reviews split between great and horrible but none in the middle it either indicates poor quality control, users unable to RT*M or users who don't understand product. In the case of wet cardboard blocking signals, it is not customary to build server rooms or wireless access point stations of this material, but I guess some people consider it to be a good practice. Perhaps it stops signal leakage to rogue access points. Personally, I prefer my aluminum foil hat.

Pros: "It looks good" Not good enough

Cons: I bought this to replace an antique router I was using as a wireless access point. When running it I had to dial it back to 11g to get it to maintain a connection. I could not get more than 8 feet from the unit. I tested it with 3 separate laptops and a pc using a usb wifi unit. Wet cardboard literally degrades the signal (this is me testing it), so you will not be able to have any structure between you and the unit. I don't see how this thing could serve anyone's needs. With such a short range you may as well physically plug in.

Overall Review: Netgear should be ashamed of themselves for turning out such a terrible product.

Pros: All the parts were in the box and the shipping time was exemplary (as usual).

Cons: Old equipment that does not do b/g/n mode very well. Fails to communicate with Intel centrino 6200 AGN wireless. Does not play well with Win7 64bit machines.

Overall Review: b/g mode sort of works - with XP SP3 machine, but the WNAP210 loses connectivity both via wireless and LAN. Something ain't connected right in the case :)

Pros: Aesthetically appealing

Cons: I bought this access point to replace what I had considered to be a very poor access point. However, this access point changed my perspective altogether. For example, while trying to write this review, I have already had my wireless signal dropped three times. I would say that the average connection time is in the area of 2-4 minutes between drops. I tried updating the firmware, ensuring that my clients had the latest drivers, testing multiple wireless clients, all with the same results. This product is truly abysmal. Signal strength at approximately 8 ft is 82%. Connection speed shows 65Mb. Oh, and I have to correct what I said earlier. It has ow dropped an astonishing five times since i began this review. Save yourself a great deal of misery and look elsewhere.

Pros: None

Cons: I bought this to replace an old belkin router that I was using as an access point... thinking it was an upgrade. Running in n mode it will not hold a connection, unless parked right beside it. I tried 3 different laptops (a dell Latitude E6400, Acer Aspire 5334, and an Asus eee PC). I then forced it to G... I was finally able to get a stable connection as long as I remained within 8 feet of it. I tried forcing it to specific channels and reorienting it.. which gave a few extra feet, but would not handle wet cardboard being between it and the laptop... no for real wet cardboard blocked its signal. The makers of this 'product' should be ashamed for charging so much for such an epic fail. I've rma'd the sorry (bleep)ing (bleep).

Pros: unknown

Cons: Unable to configure

Overall Review: On Windows XP, I followed the directions in the manual for step 1. So far, so good. Step 2 requires the owner to navigate to the WNAP210's IP address via a web browser. Didnt' work. Research online turned up several solutions, none of which applied. Being unable to configure the access point device, I packed it back up and returned it to the retailer.